Winchester's Samaritans' centre, in Upper Brook Street, has had a makeover.

Gone is the old-fashioned orange and black logo, to be replaced with a fresh green look in a national scheme designed to change impressions of the charity.

In another new move, the Winchester centre is publicising its alternative helpline - a Samaritans e-mail address.

A spokesman explained: "The old logo does stick in people's minds but the thought associated with it is that this is something for people who are suicidal. It says we have to be the very last resort.

"This fresh colour says we are here at the beginning of your distress. So many people are under stress, but they don't have to be suicidal to talk to us. We want to show that we're different from people's perceptions."

She also wanted to let people know the centre's e-mail address, jo@samaritans.org.

"There are so many people who find it easier to communicate by e-mail. People chat very openly through their computers."

Samaritans is the only helpline organisation where people can pick up a phone at any time of the day and night, knowing there will be someone on the other end to listen - the number is 08457-909090.

People can also visit the centre between 9.30am and 10pm. No appointment is necessary.

Director of Winchester Samaritans, Geraldine Brown, added: "We hope people will feel the new look at the centre is more welcoming. But if people find it hard to talk then they can always contact us on our e-mail address."